Paralysis of
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code 8520 across 5 severity levels, from 10% to 80%. At 80%, veterans receive $3151/month or more in compensation. There are 5 documented secondary conditions linked to Paralysis of.
Rating schedule — DC 8520 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 80%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 5
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild Note: Sciatic nerve paralysis is rated on degree of paralysis and which leg is involved (major/dominant vs. minor). The ratings listed apply to the major (dominant) extremity. Minor extremity ratings are one level lower. "Neuralgia" means pain in the distribution of the nerve without actual motor paralysis. |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 40% | Moderately severe |
| 60% | Severe, with marked muscular atrophy |
| 80% | Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost Note: Complete sciatic paralysis results in a functionless leg below the knee. At 80%, the maximum rating for complete sciatic nerve paralysis in the major extremity, the veteran is typically unable to ambulate without assistive devices. |
“Moderately severe”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Paralysis of?
View 5 secondary conditions linked to Paralysis of
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Paralysis of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of?
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code 8520 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild. The maximum 80% rating requires: Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of?
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8520, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 80% rating for Paralysis of?
A 10% rating requires: Mild. A 80% rating requires: Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Paralysis of qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 80% rating for Paralysis of alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Paralysis of?
The key evidence for Paralysis of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Paralysis of?
Paralysis of is associated with 5 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Paralysis of?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8520 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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